the fact that senator hagel is a republican, it helps the fact that he's a former senator. it helps, and, you know, the fact that he is a combat veteran himself, from vietnam, i think also gives him credibility in dealing with these issues. it's going to be contentious. we know that when these sequestration budget cuts come up in just a couple weeks on march 1st, that we would expect to hear senator hagel's voice on those cuts as well. >> again, that vote is coming up this afternoon at 2:45. that just announced by senator levin. so we should have some forward motion on that vote. thanks to the power panel today, chip saltsman, ben labolt, and a happy birthday to susan page. we understand it's your birthday, falling on the state of the union, how lucky is that. thanks, gang. as the president gets ready to make his address, we want to know what you think your answer is. my answer is proud and ready for what's next. share on twitter or instagram with the #sotuis. we'll share your responses on the air. and keep it locked in here on msnbc for complete coverage of the state of th